STATEN ISLAND, NY - PLEASANT PLAINS - One hundred South Shore homes have been connected to the city's sewer system following the completion of an infrastructure project, according to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Cas Holloway.

Approximately 7,969 feet of new sanitary sewers, 7,166 feet of new storm sewers, and the addition of three acres of wetlands will ease flooding in the community and help eliminate septic tank backups, said the DEP recently.

The $20.8 million project - funded by DEP and managed by the city's Department of Design and Construction - also included the replacement of 1,846 feet of water distribution mains, catch basins, curbs, sidewalks, and a street repaving.

Funding secured by Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn)paid for removal of debris from the New Creek and South Beach bluebelts and helped with the installation of barriers and signage to protect the area from illegal dumping.

"This project combines traditional infrastructure - sewer mains, catch basins, and storm sewers - with the green infrastructure that DEP has pioneered here in Staten Island to provide essential city services to the residents of Pleasant Plains and the surrounding area," said Holloway, who thanked Oddo for his support.

Oddo said the New Creek and South Beach bluebelts will be cleaner and "greener" as a result of the project.

"Our Mid-Island Bluebelt network, once fully operational, will improve the quality of life for thousands of residents in flood-prone areas. To work most effectively and efficiently, it is essential that it stay clear of debris," the councilman explained, mentioning that folks shouldn't dump trash in the Bluebelt.

The project started in September 2008.

Project boundaries According to the DEP, the initiative is in Community Board 3, and its boundaries are: Station Avenue between Amboy Road and Richmond Parkway South Service Road; Pleasant Plains Avenue between Hallister Street and Richmond Parkway South Service; Gaynor Street between Pleasant Plains Avenue and Richmond Parkway South Service Road; Hallister Street between Erie Street and Richmond Parkway South Service Road; South Drum Street between Richmond Parkway South Service Road and Dead End; Richmond Parkway South Service Road between Station Avenue and Bloomingdale Road; and in Outerbridge Avenue between Hallister Street and Dunham Street.